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Presenting fine traditional arts in Central Pennsylvania since 1985

Folk Artist Spotlights

Central Pennsylvania is home to a rich variety of traditional artists. Our Folk Arts Center is delighted to showcase a few of them! See links to more Spotlights articles at the end of this one.

January 2023: Irish Sessions

portait of Seamus
Seamus Carmichael (courtesy of the artist)

In our Spotlight series, we take a closer look into the kaleidoscope of traditional arts in Central Pennsylvania and the work of artists featured in our Folk Artists Gallery. This article spotlights the lively Irish traditional music scene in central PA, a big part of life for Gallery participant Seamus Carmichael of Lebanon County, PA. Thanks to videographer Kevin Neidig for the images.

By SFMS folklorist Amy Skillman

If your New Year’s resolution involves live music, learning an instrument, or just having more fun, Central PA’s thriving Irish music scene is a great place to start.

Folk Artists Gallery member Seamus Carmichael, born and raised in the north of Ireland, came to the local Irish music community later than you'd think. His first foray into the Central Pennsylvania Irish scene was many years after he'd emigrated from County Derry, Ireland to Lebanon County, PA. He quickly found his niche as a singer, storyteller and organizer, and now you'll almost certainly find Seamus at a local session.

In the foreground, an older man wearing a cap plays a wooden flute. Behind him, a young woman is playing a fiddle.A couple dances an Irish jig together, off to the side of the musicians.An older man wearing a cap plays guitar and sings a song at the session.

At least once every week, folks in our region gather for Irish traditional music seisiúns (jam sessions) in restaurants and homes. Whether you’re listening, playing, or dancing, fun is almost guaranteed.

Two teenage girls sit together in a session. The girl at left flourishes her concertina as she finishes a tune; her friend at right grins in approval.Two older men sit together in a session. The man in the foreground plays guitar; behind him, another man plays a wooden flute as uilleann pipes rest on his lap.An older man in a tropical shirt and peaked cap plays a concertina.

Folks of all nationalities find a musical home in Irish traditional music — from Norway to New Zealand, from Toronto to Tokyo. Once drawn in by the lively tunes, many find themselves fascinated by Irish folklore, geography, culture and history. A fun hobby deepens into respect for a resiliant people and their captivating music.

From Gettysburg to Reading, here are some Irish sessions in Central Pennsylvania.

  • The Garryowen, 16 Chambersburg St, Gettysburg: 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month 2-5 pm. Call 717-337-2719 to confirm.
  • Annie Bailey's, 28 E King Street, Lancaster: 2nd Sunday of each month, 2-5 pm.
  • Tellus360, 24 E King St, Lancaster: 4th Sunday of each month, 2-5 pm.
  • The Ugly Oyster, 21 S 5th St, Reading: every Thursday night except when it clashes with major holidays or big events, 6-9 pm.
  • Zero Day Brewing Company, 924 N 3rd St, Harrisburg: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, call 717-745-6218 for times.
  • Union House Taproom, 12 E Main St, Richland: 3rd Saturday of each month, except in March, 5-8 pm.
  • Carlisle Irish Session, private group, Wednesday nights except when the hosts are out of town. Contact Dan Shingler on Facebook for details.
  • Rural City Brewing Company, 6 N Reamstown Rd, Reamstown: 1st Saturday of each month, 2-5 pm.